A cloud of uncertainty hangs over Stratford-upon-Avon’s biggest cultural institution this week, as the Royal Shakespeare Company moves forward with plans to cut 11% of its workforce in a bid to save £2.8 million a year.
The announcement has sent shockwaves through the town, with unions and residents expressing deep concern over what these changes mean for the future of the world-famous theatre company – and the livelihoods of the locals who work there.
Musicians Face the Final Bar
The most controversial element of the restructuring is the proposal to permanently close the in-house Music Department. Under the current plans, the RSC’s dedicated house band would be made redundant, ending a decades-long tradition of employing resident musicians.
The decision has sparked immediate backlash. The Musicians’ Union has officially stepped in to oppose the move, backing a petition that has already gathered over 1,300 signatures in just a few days.
Stephen Brown, MU Midlands Regional Organiser, stated:
“The Union is opposed to the closure of the Music Department, as we believe it will fragment and ultimately diminish the prevalence of live music in its productions… We are arguing for the retention of the remaining houseband members, as they are a crucial part of the Music Department’s offer.”
Critics fear that shifting to a freelance-only model will lead to a reliance on recorded music, though the RSC has strenuously denied this, insisting that live music remains central to their vision.
Costume Department Mergers
It is not just the orchestra pit feeling the squeeze. The theatre’s world-renowned costume workshops are also facing significant changes. Proposals include merging specialist teams – such as millinery (hat making), jewellery, and armoury – into a single, broader department.
Insiders have told industry press that they fear this “de-specialisation” will lead to a loss of unique heritage crafts that have been honed in Stratford for generations.
“A Perilous Situation”
The RSC’s leadership – Co-Artistic Directors Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey, and Executive Director Andrew Leveson – have been frank about the severity of the financial picture. Describing the situation as “perilous,” they cite a perfect storm of challenges:
- Rising Costs: Energy bills and material costs have soared.
- Funding Cuts: Real-terms reductions in public subsidy.
- Debt Repayment: The need to repay pandemic-era loans from the Culture Recovery Fund.
In a statement, the leadership team said: “Our proposals will allow us to be more flexible to creative teams’ ideas, as well as providing a greater number of opportunities for a wider range of freelance artists… We need to be match fit to meet this moment.”
What Happens Next?
The formal consultation with staff is ongoing and is expected to conclude in January 2026. Until then, the atmosphere in the town remains tense, with many fearing that even if the RSC survives its financial crisis, it may emerge looking like a very different organisation to the one Stratford is so proud of.
